CVE-2021-20191 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A flaw was found in ansible where credentials, such as secrets, are being disclosed in console log by default, leaving them unprotected by the no_log feature. This vulnerability allows attackers to steal sensitive credentials, posing a threat to data confidentiality. Versions before ansible 2.9.18 are impacted.

Understanding CVE-2021-20191

This section dives deeper into the details of CVE-2021-20191.

What is CVE-2021-20191?

CVE-2021-20191 is a vulnerability in ansible that exposes credentials in console logs, making them vulnerable to theft by malicious actors, compromising data confidentiality.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20191

The highest threat posed by this vulnerability is to data confidentiality as it allows attackers to obtain sensitive credentials.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20191

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-20191 below.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in ansible exposes credentials in console logs, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions before ansible 2.9.18, making systems using these versions susceptible to credential theft.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access and steal sensitive credentials from the console logs of affected ansible versions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-20191 below.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update ansible to version 2.9.18 or later to prevent further exposure of credentials in console logs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures such as encrypted credential storage and regular security audits to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates for ansible to address known vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats.